There is absolutely no doubt what the headliner fixture is for week 11 of the Premier League- Liverpool at Arsenal. The Gunners opened the season with losses to Manchester City and Chelsea, then went on to win 12 of their next 13 across all competitions, with the other result being a very controversial draw at Crystal Palace.
They sit fourth place, with 22 points heading into this one and eager to prove that they possess league title bonafides. As for Liverpool, ever since the summer they have been pegged as the most likely challenger to potentially dethrone Manchester City. They currently sit level on points with the reigning champions, but -8 on the goal differential tie-breaker.
On the plus side though, they have the honorary Haka war dance they received from the New Zealand Rugby League team going for them, which is nice. Perhaps they will be extra fired up by it.
Let’s take a look at the injury/fitness situation for both teams, starting with the visitors.
Midfielders Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson both missed last weekend’s win over Cardiff City with the former being out of commission since the last international break. The latter was subbed off at half-time during last Saturday’s win at Huddersfield Town. It’s the same body part, the hamstring, keeping both of these midfield men on the sidelines.
Switching over to the Gunners, their biggest injury concern is right back Hector Bellerin, and if he can’t go, manager Unai Emery may have a selection headache to deal with in the back line. The Spaniard faces a late fitness test after leaving the Palace match at half time due to what’s being reporter as a muscular issue. As of now he’s a doubt, but perhaps Emery will tell us more at his news conference on Friday.
If he’s not ready then Arsenal will be sweating on the fitness of defenders Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac even more. Both will be assessed later after having dealt with recent thigh/hamstring problems. Also, Mohamed Elneny has been ruled out for two weeks due to injury.
Meanwhile Laurent Koscielny is still working his back to being fully match fit, but he has resumed training.
Liverpool vs Arsenal FC FYIs
Jurgen Klopp Press Conference video and quotes: go to this link
Liverpool Starting XI prediction: go to this link
Arsenal Starting XI prediction: go to this link
Kickoff: Saturday November 3, 530 pm BST, Emirates Stadium
Odds via Betway: Liverpool 1/1 Draw 11/4 Arsenal 5/2
Prediction: Liverpool 1, Arsenal FC 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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